Pyrolytic Characteristics and Kinetics ofPhragmites australis

Abstract

The pyrolytic kinetics ofPhragmites australiswas investigated using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) method with linear temperature programming process under an inert atmosphere. Kinetic expressions for the degradation rate in devolatilization and combustion steps have been obtained forP. australiswith Dollimore method. The values of apparent activation energy, the most probable mechanism functions, and the corresponding preexponential factor were determined. The results show that the model agrees well with the experimental data and provide useful information for the design of pyrolytic processing system usingP. australisas feedstock to produce biofuel.